Egypt: Clashes continue as activists defy new law

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Report: 85 are arrested for participating in the Muslim Brotherhood-backed protest

A new protest law requires organizers to get government OK in advance

In the latest wave of violence in Egypt, eight people were injured Friday in clashes during protests in support of ousted President Mohamed Morsy.

Hundreds of pro-Morsy activists took to the streets throughout the Middle East nation, defying a new law by the government banning unauthorized protests.

Police fired tear gas at rallies in support of the former president when clashes with security forces erupted Friday in Giza, Kasr Al-Qoba and Helwan around Cairo, as well as the northern city of Damietta, according to the state-run Al-Ahram news website.

Some 85 people were arrested for their participation in Friday's protest called by the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist group whose activities have been banned, state news outlet Egynews reported Friday, citing a security source at the Interior Ministry.

Supporters of Morsy and the Muslim Brotherhood have been staging protests calling for his reinstatement as president. Morsy was forced out of office in July and taken into custody.

He now faces charges of incitement to murder in connection with protests against his rule last December. Morsy has refused to recognize the court.

Friday's violence occurs during a week of widespread criticism and demonstrations in the country over the new protest law, which is opposed by both Islamists and human rights activists. The law requires organizers to seek permission from authorities before gathering and gives police the right to cancel demonstrations and to disperse them with force.

Several hundred people have died in clashes between pro-Morsy demonstrators and security forces since the military removed him in July.